Overview
- Kick-off is 20:00 UK at the Stadium of Light, with live coverage on Sky Sports Main Event.
- Manchester City arrive on an eight-match winning run in all competitions and sit five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand.
- Sunderland are seventh and unbeaten at home in the league, building their season on a strong defensive record.
- The hosts are without several regulars due to AFCON call-ups, including Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, Bertrand Traore, Reinildo Mandava and Habib Diarra, with Dan Ballard also a doubt.
- City report Mateo Kovacic sidelined and late checks for John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb, with Rodri back in the squad recently and Erling Haaland widely expected to lead the line.